Orange Manjack
Scientific name: Cordia rickseckeri
POWO Status: Tree
IUCN Red List threat level: Near Threatened
GPS Location: 17° 42′ 59.31″ N, 64° 49′ 45.79″ W
Observations:
Phenological Markers: Orange Manjack – Cordia rickseckeri
Overview
Cordia rickseckeri, commonly known as Ricksecker’s Cordia, is a tropical tree native to the Caribbean and Central America. It is a member of the Boraginaceae family, which includes various species of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. This tree is typically found in dry forests, coastal scrublands, and disturbed areas, often growing in the lowlands of the Caribbean, particularly in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Known for its attractive white to pale yellow flowers, it is also an important tree in local ecosystems, providing food and shelter for various wildlife.
Scientific Classification
- Family: Boraginaceae
- Genus: Cordia
- Species: C. rickseckeri
- Common Names: Ricksecker’s Cordia, White Cordia
Physical Description
- Height: Typically grows between 3 to 6 meters (10 to 20 feet) tall, but may reach up to 10 meters (33 feet) in optimal conditions.
- Trunk & Bark: The trunk is generally short, with a grayish bark that may become rough and scaly as the tree matures. The tree develops a rounded crown with spreading branches.
- Leaves: The leaves are large, ovate, and dark green, with a leathery texture. The edges are smooth, and the leaves often have a slightly velvety underside, which helps conserve moisture.
- Flowers: The flowers are small, white to pale yellow, and have five petals. They are arranged in dense clusters at the branch tips, blooming intermittently throughout the year, with a peak during the rainy season.
- Fruits: After flowering, the tree produces small, round fruits that are typically green when young, turning brown or yellow when ripe. The fruit is edible, though it is not commonly harvested.
Habitat and Distribution
Cordia rickseckeri is native to the Caribbean region, particularly in areas of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and parts of Central America. It thrives in dry, coastal scrublands and tropical dry forests where it is well-adapted to conditions of low to moderate rainfall. The species can be found at low to mid elevations in coastal and disturbed areas. It is often found along roadsides or in disturbed lands where the soil is well-drained but not excessively dry.
Ecological Role
- Pollinator Support: The white flowers of Cordia rickseckeri attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and possibly hummingbirds, contributing to local pollination networks.
- Fruit Dispersal: The small fruits are likely consumed by birds and small mammals, which help disperse the seeds to other locations, promoting natural regeneration and biodiversity.
- Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage provides shelter for insects and small wildlife, supporting a healthy ecosystem.
- Soil Stabilization: The tree’s root system can aid in soil stabilization in disturbed habitats or areas prone to erosion.
Phenological Markers
| Phenological Phase | Observation Notes |
|---|---|
| Leaf Flush | New leaves emerge in early spring or after rainfall, bright green and soft, and mature to a leathery texture over time. |
| Full Foliage | Mature leaves are dark green and leathery, providing a dense canopy year-round. The plant retains its leaves unless under severe drought stress. |
| Leaf Drop | The tree is mostly evergreen, but may experience slight leaf drop during prolonged dry periods or under stress. |
| Flower Budding | Flower buds appear in clusters at the branch tips. This typically coincides with the onset of rainy season or after significant rainfall. |
| Flowering | Cordia rickseckeri typically flowers in the wet season, producing clusters of small white to pale yellow flowers that bloom intermittently. Flowering usually peaks during late spring to early summer. |
| Fruit Set | After flowering, small, round fruits develop. Fruits begin to mature within 4-6 weeks of flowering, depending on environmental conditions. |
| Fruit Maturity | The fruits ripen, changing from green to brown or yellow, typically during late summer to early fall. |
| Seed Dispersal | Fruits are consumed by birds and small mammals, which help disperse seeds locally. Fruits drop to the ground when ripe and may be eaten immediately or left to naturally decompose. |
Growing Conditions
- Light: Prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Best growth occurs in open areas with plenty of sunlight.
- Soil: Cordia rickseckeri thrives in well-drained soils, particularly sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. It is tolerant of poor, dry soils but performs best with moderate fertility.
- Watering: The tree is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during the dry season. It is best suited to areas with seasonal rainfall.
- Temperature: Prefers tropical climates with warm temperatures, ideally between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It is sensitive to frost and should be protected in cooler climates.
Propagation
- Seeds: The most common method of propagation is through seeds, which should be cleaned and sown in well-draining soil. Germination can take between 2-4 weeks.
- Cuttings: Semi-hardwood cuttings may also be used for propagation, with the addition of rooting hormone to increase success rates.
Conservation Status
Cordia rickseckeri is not listed as threatened or endangered. However, it may face some pressure from habitat loss due to urbanization, agricultural expansion, and coastal development. As an important species for local ecosystems, C. rickseckeri contributes to the biodiversity of tropical dry forests and coastal scrublands.
Phenology Monitoring Notes
- Flowering Period: Track the flowering season to see how it aligns with local rainfall patterns. This will help identify how moisture availability affects blooming.
- Fruit Development: Note the fruit maturation and timing, especially when fruits turn from green to yellow or brown. Keep track of any animals feeding on the fruit to understand dispersal mechanisms.
- Leaf Condition: Monitor leaf health, especially during periods of drought, to understand the tree’s response to water stress.
Conclusion
Cordia rickseckeri (Ricksecker’s Cordia) is a resilient and ecologically important tree in tropical dry forests and coastal ecosystems. Its flowering cycle, fruiting habits, and drought tolerance make it an important species to monitor in phenology studies. By tracking its phenological markers, we can better understand how this tree responds to seasonal changes in moisture and temperature, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of tropical ecosystems.